Effects of flexibility training on range of motion in older adults

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of a flexibility program on mobility of older adults in a retirement facility. Eight female older adults residing in a retirement complex submitted to a pre, mid and posttest. They participated in a six week stretching program between the mid and posttesting. This twenty to thirty minute program was implemented into the retirement home facility exercise class which met three times per week. The stretches were designed for the older adults and performed through a combination of sitting in chairs, standing next to chairs and sitting and laving on a carpeted floor. After six weeks of the stretching program, each subject submitted to a posttest. Differences in body angle m an values Suring the walk and stair climb and passive flexibility measurement mean values were tested separately with a one-way analysis of variance. All differences were found not to be significant (p>O.U5).